The prolific striker surpassed expectations with seven goals that led Norway to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998
On Saturday, Norway and Erling Haaland reached the end of what has been an excellent World Cup campaign for them, and a deliciously refreshing one for observers.
Norway are a really good team, and Haaland is a joy to watch, a prime-time footballer, a walking work of art, a sort of global footballing mascot.
In Miami against England, Norway were arguably the better team for 90 minutes, but England’s ubermensch Jude Bellingham struck twice in one place to dump the Vikings out. Haaland was all but mute here, eventually subbed off in extra-time as his team headed towards defeat.
But seven goals in the tournament says he had a brilliant campaign. He is currently among the top three goalscorers at this World Cup, behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, and he will finish third unless Jude Bellingham scores again for England in the next two games. His double against Brazil was excellent and put his superb goalscoring ability on show for all the world to see.
The striker left the Hard Rock Stadium disappointed by his side’s exit but said he and his teammates must take pride in a performance that, in their first appearance on the global stage, took Norway to the last eight for the first time this century.
“Quite nice, I would say so,” Haaland said when asked how life felt after a month that has elevated his global profile. “I’m quite happy with my life. I’m enjoying it. I’m in a good place. And… I mean, it’s kind of difficult to take in the kind of…. show or rollercoaster that we have been in now for the last six weeks. There has been so much pressure, so much feeling. It has been… unreal, honestly.
“It has been the best weeks and the best journey I’ve had in my entire life. It’s hard to take it in right now; you get a little empty. If I try to think quickly through these 40 days, it has been absolutely insane, the coolest thing I’ve ever been a part of. And I think all Norwegians also really appreciate it. I hope it has brought people together. We should be proud… but at the same time, learn from this.”
Haaland’s seven goals came with two against Iraq in the opening match, another two in a victory over Senegal, a winner against Ivory Coast in the round of 32 and then his brace in the win over Brazil.
The Manchester City forward said the campaign has given his country greater recognition in international football and should provide lift off for future tournaments.
“The performances are one thing,” Haaland said. “Beating Brazil is one thing. But I think the way we have put Norway on the map is maybe the thing that touches me the most. I think with the ‘rowing’, with how good people we are – I think perfect people – and, yeah, with Norway on the map, hopefully now we can establish something when it comes to European Championships, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing.”
Haaland also suggested some refereeing decisions had gone against Norway during the tournament, adding with a smile that such moments usually favoured his club side.
The striker said: “In the end, I’m just proud. I’ve been so proud every single day since we qualified, since being in the U.S., and… yeah. I don’t really know what more to say because I think I’ve spoken so much out here in the U.S. and I’m getting a bit fed up. So it’s now time to go on holiday.”
